IMMUNOLOGYT h y m o s i n~l l e v e l s a r e markedly elevated in homosexual p a t i e n t s with AIDS o r AIDS-related complex (prodrome) a t a time when t h e i r T-cell function and OKT4/T8 r a t i o s a r e depressed. On the o t h e r

The mechanism underlying the prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) seen in some pediatric patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and opportunistic infections was studied. A circulating inhibitor of coagulation was demonstrated in three patients. The inhibitor appears to be an immunoglobulin that interferes with some of the phospolipid-dependent coagulation reactions of the intrinsic pathway. This "AIDS anticoagulant" does not predispose the patient to clinical bleeding despite its ability to cause a marked prolongation of the APTT. As such, careful laboratory diagnosis of the cause of abnormal coagulation test results is necessary for children with AIDS.

Silverman and A r e R u b i n s t e i n , A l b e r t E -Ann F l e t c h e r , and Wade P. Parks. (Spon. by Jose S t r a u s s ) C o l l e g e of M m D e p a r t m i n t o f P e d i a t r i c s , Bronx, New York. T h i r t e e n i n f a n t s w i t h a c q u i r e d immune d e f i c i e n c y syndrome 9 pregnant i n t r a v e n o u s d r u g u s i n g mothers and t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e (AIDS) w i t h o p~o r t u n i s t i c i n f e c t i o n and/or Kaposi's sarcoma have i n f a n t s were s t u d i e d . 3 mothers (1.4.5) had decreased T c e l l %. been i d e n t i f i e d i n South F l o r i d a . The mothers o f e i g h t o f these i n f a n t s have been e v a l u a t e d w i t h r e g a r d t o t h e i r immune s t a t u s and t h e presence o f a n t i b o d y t o t h e human T c e l l leukemia1 lymphoma v i r u s (HTLV). F i v e o f t h e mothers a r e r e c e n t refugees from H a i t i . Two have a h i s t o r y o f intbavenous d r u g abuse. T h e i r ages range between 19 and 33 years. Two of t h e mothers have AIDS and one mother has an AIDS-like i l l n e s s . The remainder o f t h e mothers a r e h e a l t h y . Immunological s t u d i e s i n t h e mothers were compared t o values o b t a i n e d i n h e a l t h y American Black and H a i t i a n women. The mothers showed a h i g h e r